Hi. This is my first ever fan fiction so any comments would be a great help even if they are a criticism I would appreciate the support. This story follows on from the events of episode 8.21. Lorraine and Nikki.

After what seemed like forever Lorraine Donnegan broke the silence. Her and Nikki Boston had had a tough day at the school. There was never a dull moment at Waterloo Road, today being no exception. Nikki was exhausted. She'd been appointed deputy head, and her first day was certainly a challenge.

"Nikki" she said, looking over at the brunette with an awkward smile.

"The last thing I think of you is that you're . . . manageable. I've got some amazing plans for this school. And you and me, we're the ones to make it happen"

During this little speech Lorraine had moved closer to Nikki, pulled over to her like a magnet, she could no longer resist. It was time.

Lorraine looked down at Nikki and thought to herself, this is the perfect opportunity to let her know how I feel. She already had an inkling that Nikki liked her after the events of last term. And even though they had never gone for that drink it wasn't because Lorraine hadn't wanted to. She'd never really gotten the chance to reply. She'd spent far too much time over the holidays thinking what if. This is my chance, she thought, and slowly moved in for a kiss. Nikki didn't hesitate, responding slowly. When their lips met it was just as she'd imagined. Lorraine gently held Nikki's face, kissing her gently, almost nervously at first. When Nikki stood up to deepen the kiss Lorraine looked into the brunettes beautiful brown eyes and felt a connection. She'd never felt like this about another woman. This wasn't an experiment to her, the way Nikki made her feel was indescribable. Something she had never felt before.

When Nikki pulled away she wasn't sure what to say. Lorraine smiled and Nikki smiled back, almost giggling out of nervousness. Lorraine broke the silence.

"Nikki. I . . .", she stopped, suddenly short of breath.

"Nikki. I really like you. And when you asked me out last term I had no idea how to respond. I've never felt like this about a woman before and . . .", Nikki stopped her.

"What's this. Lorraine Donnegan nervous about something. Never thought I'd see the day", she said playfully, with a grin.

"Okay so I might be a little bit nervous, but if you're free tonight I'd like to take you out. Dinner perhaps?"

Nikki smiled again. "That sounds great"

"I'll pick you up at 8pm", said Lorraine confidently.

Lorraine turned to leave the room, hesitated slightly, then turned back to Nikki. She put her hands delicately on Nikki's waist and pulled her in for another kiss.

"I'll see you later", she said a couple of minutes later, her heart pounding in her chest. She was so nervous, but was trying to remain strong on the outside, not wanting Nikki to see any weakness.

She'd done it. And they were going on a date. Tonight. And as she walked down the corridor, her high heels clicking as she walked she couldn't help but smile. Now what on earth was she going to wear, she thought as she marched back to her car. She had a couple of hours to get ready and she wanted to look her best. So she hurried home.

Nikki was sat on the edge of the bed staring into space. She was still going over the events of the afternoon. Lorraine had kissed her. She actually kissed her, and had asked her out on a date. She couldn't believe her luck. Ever since they had met Nikki had had a crush on the blonde. But she'd always been too nervous to make a move, not wanting to ruin any friendship that they had developed, and certainly not wanting to ruin the professional relationship they had at school. Lorraine was after all her boss. Nikki shook the thought from her head. Don't think like that she thought to herself, she was already nervous about the date, and thinking about the what ifs wasn't going to help. After sitting for at least 20 minutes she snapped out of the daydream and looked over at the clock. 7.30pm.

"Shit", she said aloud. Lorraine would be picking her up in half an hour and she hadn't even decided what to wear. Opening her wardrobe in a panic she quickly decided upon an outfit. Shirt and trousers. Simple. Not too smart, but not too casual as she had no idea where Lorraine would be taking her for dinner.

It got to 8pm and Nikki was pacing up and down the kitchen. Deep breaths she thought. Just relax, talk, be casual. It's a date, but let's not ruin things by being too nervous to say anything. A couple minutes later Nikki heard the roar of a Ferrari outside. That must be Lorraine she thought to herself, after all not many people around here owned a Ferrari.

Nikki opened the door to find Lorraine standing against the car in a stunning little black dress.

"Wow", Nikki said, walking over to her. "You look. Well you look amazing. You're beautiful", she said quietly, going red.

"You don't look so bad yourself Miss Boston", Lorraine said playfully. "You scrub up well. Anyway, shall we? I've made us a reservation."

They drove to the restaurant in a nervous silence. Lorraine tried to drive more sensibly than normal, but it was difficult in the Ferrari, hard not to go too fast. She kept looking over to Nikki who seemed nervous, Lorraine smiled reassuringly at her, putting her hand gently on her knee.

"Nikki I am so glad I finally did this. I wanted to say yes when you asked me for that drink, but I was in shock, had no idea you actually felt the same. And by the time I was ready to reply you'd already left!"

Nikki smiled, turning to face Lorraine. Not knowing what to say, she leaned over and kissed her on the cheek just as they were pulling up at the restaurant.

Once they were inside the restaurant and seated in a cosy booth the conversation started to flow. Lorraine ordered them a bottle of wine, but as she was driving only had a small glass herself.

"Are you trying to get me drunk Miss Donnegan?" Nikki uttered in a playful manner. It had been a while since she'd had wine and it was going straight to her head.

"No, not at all. But you're certainly a lot chattier than when we first arrived" Lorraine replied, taking a sip of her wine as she finished.

Dinner was a 3-course luxurious affair. Nikki had never been anywhere quite so posh but enjoyed herself It was nice to be spoilt. They had a lot to talk about, and before they knew it coffee was being served. When they were done Lorraine looked Nikki in the eyes pondering what the next move should be. She wanted to invite Nikki to hers for more wine not really wanting the night to end just yet. But at the same time wasn't sure if it was the right move. As much as she'd enjoyed the evening she wasn't sure if she was going too fast.

As they walked towards the car Lorraine took Nikki's hand, squeezing it gently. "So, what do you fancy doing next?! I know it's a school night, and I know this is our first official date, but I was thinking maybe we could go to mine before I take you home. I am not ready for this night to end just yet. What do you think?," she rambled.

Nikki just smiled and leaned in for a kiss, more passionate than earlier in the day.

"I'd like that", she said finally after they'd broken apart.